Penn State Altoona Athletics has announced the reintroduction of its men’s wrestling program and the addition of a women’s wrestling program, marking a significant expansion of its NCAA Division III varsity sports. The implementation of men's wrestling marks the reintroduction of the program at the Ivyside campus, as Penn State Altoona sponsored the sport beginning in the 1971-72 season until its discontinuation in the 1980s.
"Penn State Altoona is excited to add men's and women's wrestling to our lineup of teams for the 2024-25 academic year," said Penn State Altoona Director of Athletics Brent Baird. "Sitting in the heart of central Pennsylvania, it is a natural fit to have wrestling as part of our NCAA Division III program.
"We are thrilled to reintroduce wrestling to our athletic offerings at Penn State Altoona," said Penn State Altoona Chancellor and Dean Dr. Ron W. Darbeau. "This action both honors past legacies and provides additional opportunities for our students to engage more fully outside the classroom.
Coaching Staff
Penn State Altoona Athletics announced the hiring of Brinton Simington to be the next head coach of its men’s and women’s wrestling program, which is entering its second season as an NCAA Division III sport at the college. An Altoona native, Simington was a standout wrestler at Altoona Area High School from 2013-17 before moving on to compete collegiately at Lock Haven University and Hofstra University.
"I'm excited to welcome Brinton Simington as our wrestling coach," said Penn State Altoona Director of Athletics Brent Baird. "His enthusiasm and passion for the sport will serve our program well.
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"I’m grateful for the opportunity to build a college wrestling program in my own backyard, which isn’t something that many people get a chance to do,” said Simington.
Simington was a four-year starter in wrestling at Altoona Area, winning over 100 matches in his high school career. He was a two-time District 6 AAA and NW Region champion and was twice a PIAA AAA state qualifier. In college, Simington competed for a total of six years at the Division I level. For five years, he wrestled for Lock Haven, where he earned some time as a starter in his final two seasons and posted wins over nationally ranked opponents.
Simington’s coaching experience includes a stint at Altoona Area, where he was the varsity and elementary wrestling coach, and most recently Tussey Mountain, where he headed the 7th-12th grade varsity wrestling team.
Key Women's Wrestling personnel at Penn State Altoona include Head Coach Brinton Simington. If you're thinking about becoming a member of Penn State Altoona Women's Wrestling program they are the people you must contact.
Recruiting Information
How Real Wrestlers Train
If you are trying to get recruited it is critical to know who to talk to and NCSA has the details you'll need. NCSA offers student student athletes the information and tools they need to enhance their chances of being recruited by a Women's Wrestling program, whether it's at Penn State Altoona or another school. Since 2000, NCSA has been connecting coaches and athletes which is a vital component of the recruiting process.
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This year alone you'll find 127627 Women's Wrestling high school athletes utilizing the NCSA network, technology and scouting professionals to get their highlights before 5112 coaches at 1790 colleges Women's Wrestling programs nationwide.
If you want to join the Penn State Altoona Women's Wrestling program you need to start building relationships and a highly-visible, professional quality recruiting profile. Starting that process as soon as possible is crucial to your success. So make your free profile to become a verified NCSA Women's Wrestling athlete and start connecting with coaches at the Penn State Altoona Women's Wrestling program today.
Looking Ahead
The Penn State Altoona men’s and women’s wrestling teams will embark on their 2025-26 seasons beginning this fall.
"We look forward to starting women's wrestling and supporting this growing sport," said Baird.
By adding new teams, Penn State Altoona is expanding its slate of NCAA Division III varsity sports for the first time since 2013.
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The two teams will begin intercollegiate competition in 2024-25, and a head coaching position will be filled by the start of 2024.
The recruitment process for the men's and women's wrestling teams will begin this August.
"We intend to start the search for a head coach during the late fall semester and have them on board by January 1, 2024," said Baird.